Struggle for Protein!

You are really hurting yourself by not eating meat. I recommend that you read a book called "The Vegetarian Myth" by Lierre Keith.
Lierre Keith was a vegetarian for 20 years. It almost killed her before she learned the truth.

You can read the first 14 pages on Lierre's web page: http://lierrekeith.com/vegmyth.htm
Watch a video interview with the author on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNON5iNf07o

Um, don't second guess your choice based on this one response, because it's obviously biased and untrue. You've made a wonderful decision to go vegetarian, and there are a plethora of protein options out there.
Nuts, seeds, legumes, grains like quinoa, soya products like tofu or seitan for example, dairy, eggs, some fruits& vegetables (in larger amounts)...

I get my protein through shakes, using powders like Garden of Life's RAW Protein Powder and MLO Milk & Egg protein powder.

double post

First, a question: how many grams of protein are you looking to eat in one day?

Secondly, I would make absolutely every calorie count. Some foods are purely 'recreational' and add very little of value, other than taste, into the diet. Skip those, and concentrate on nutrient-dense veggies, and other plant foods. Also, sticking to whole grains, instead of refined helps. Every little bit counts.

One day, I ate 1200 of plain fruits and veggies, either raw or lightly steamed --I ended up with 60 grams of protein for the day. Things like broccoli, green peas and bitter greens have loads of protein. I'm not recommending this by the way, but merely stating that people think you need a glop of protein on your plate for it to count. NOT! Look at some of the most powerful animals: vegetarians! You can do this, and hold firm to your ethics.

peanut butter
Amy's Texas veggie burgers are a favorite of mine and i am not a vegetarian

I used to be veg and still don't eat a lot of meat. I get a lot of protein from soy products. Beans and rice are a really good filling way to get a ton of protein too.

Also, don't listen to this junk about veg being unhealthy. Anyone who got sick off of being veg simply wasn't doing it correctly. In fact, we as Americans eat entirely too much meat to be healthy for us. It should be a once a week or so treat, not a three times a day thing. As long as you follow your nutrients for the first few months to get a good idea of what you need, you will be fine and likely healthier than the average American. If you are truly concerned, go talk to a dietician who can make sure you get everything you need.

Greek yogurt is worth every calorie (IMO!) and if you're eating lowfat, PLAIN greek yogurt the calorie count is really low. The protein count is so much higher than regular yogurt and like another poster mentioned, if you compare plain greek and lowfat yogurt side by side they have similar calorie counts - yet the Greek variety is nutritionally way more advantageous. I go through a ton of it. It's a bit pricey so I buy the Fage brand at Costco. It's a great addition to other foods too like soup and an easy way to add a little protein without more calories.

I like to eat it with a tablespoon or two of granola for some crunch - it adds about 50 calories or so for me but I love it. I also learned a trick from a friend of mashing up a banana or even a half banana along with some toasted walnuts to throw in with some greek yogurt. The other thing to consider is that Greek yogurt is so thick and rich that you probably won't want to even eat a whole cup. I often eat more like a third of a cup along with some nuts and fruit and I feel full all morning.

Another source of protein that I use are egg whites, or occasionally a whole egg. I make omelets with a sprinkle of goat cheese and spinach inside. Yum. Don't know if you eat eggs or not but thought I'd throw that out there.

I agree on the sources like lentils and quinoa - tasty and so nutritious.

My biggest problem is getting protein easily after a workout when I'm out and about. I know there are protein powders out there but I have heard that a lot of them taste awful. I don't want to drop 250 calories on a protein bar filled with extra sugar and stuff either - especially if it doesn't taste that great. So far I've been mostly bringing Greek yogurt and fruit but ideas for protein on the go are harder for me to come up with.

I agree with Greek yogurt. I tend to get plain because the flavored ones are really high in sugar and my goal is high protein low sugar. I'm much more satisfied throughout the day when I stick to this route. Yes high protein items may be high in calories but its satisfying and chances are will keep you near your desired intake. I will add protein powder or nuts and honey or fruit depending on my mood because I personally feel like I'm eating sour cream when it comes to eating Greek yogurt.

I like muscle milk banana flavored powder I get at vitamin shoppe. I also love Walmarts brand. It's very low in sugar and 26g of protein per scoop. The flavor of these are so good I can actually mix them with water (i never thought I would like). I also love to add my powder to plain oatmeal because I know this crap is good for you but I hate the taste of plain oatmeal

Protein bars for the most part are so gross and hard for me to eat. However I just found one that is palliatable called "think thin". The peanutbutter and white chocolate are the best and the sugar is little to none

I like Hummus for protein, I am not a vegetarian (anymore) but I really like it and it helps me with my protein